Mencap to identify gaps in East Antrim service provision

Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullan meets Jenny Ruddy, campaigns officer with Mencap, at Stormont today to discuss concerns over the provision of services for people with learning disabilities in East Antrim. INLT 22-687-CON

Published:19:00Tuesday 09 June 2015

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East Antrim MLA Oliver McMullan has hit out at what he described as “a lack of services” for those people with learning disability in East Antrim.

The Sinn Fein representative said it was “unacceptable” that children and adults with learning disabilities are not able to access certain services locally.

Mr McMullan met with Jenny Ruddy, campaigns officer for leading charity Mencap, at Stormont to discuss his concerns.

“We discussed the lack of services for those with learning difficulties, particularly in the Carnlough, Glenarm and wider Glens areas,” he added.

“Children in particular are still being bussed out of the East Antrim area to access services elsewhere.”

Mr McMullan said Mencap representatives have agreed to come to the East Antrim area to look at what services are currently in place and to identify gaps in provision.

He added: “They will speak to parents, carers and service users to listen to their views and what they would like to see offered in their local area.”